Danicah is an award-winning director, writer, producer, and acting coach, with a lifetime of industry experience.
Danicah Waldo is an award-winning director, writer, producer, and acting coach based out of New York City.
After working as an actor throughout her childhood and earning her BFA in Musical Theater from Pace University, Danicah got her 10,000 hours directing and producing narrative short films starring kids for the Applause New York YouTube channel, which now sits at 1.5 million subscribers and 1 billion views.
In 2021, she joined LIT Videobooks, a start-up production company that transforms bestselling nonfiction books into dynamic documentary-style films. She now holds the title of Director of Production, which includes directing all of the live-action elements of the videobooks, and building the entire production system from the ground up.
She started Yellow Chair Films to produce her debut narrative short film, Sally, Get the Potatoes, which has gone on to win awards at festivals worldwide.
Danicah is a member of the Alliance of Women Directors and NYWIFT.
With thousands of hours on set and experience across nearly every department, Danicah brings a deep, practical understanding of storytelling to her work as a director. She leads with clarity and collaboration, creating an environment where cast and crew feel supported and the work can thrive.
Sally, Get the Potatoes marks Danicah’s debut narrative short as a writer and director. A deeply personal passion project, the film was brought to life by an extraordinary team—including former students who stepped up as Executive Producers and colleagues from LIT Videobooks who generously volunteered their time and talent.
Since its premiere in May 2024, Sally, Get the Potatoes has screened at over 25 festivals worldwide and earned more than 15 awards, including Best Short Film and Best Director.
Sally, Get the Potatoes
Official Trailer
While directing all live-action content at LIT Videobooks, Danicah consistently delivered high-quality work—on time and under budget. She collaborated closely with producers and writers to bring their creative visions to life, and it was through this work that she found her trusted crew in New York, many of whom she continues to collaborate with today. Immersing herself in casting and large-scale production, LIT Videobooks became the place where Danicah truly came into her own as a director.
How to Talk to Anyone (Clip)
Live-Action Director | LIT Videobooks
Exactly What to Say (Clip)
Live-Action Director | LIT Videobooks
Influence (Clip)
Live-Action Director | LIT Videobooks
Thinking in Bets (Clip)
Live-Action Director | LIT Videobooks
The Intelligence Trap (Clip)
Live-Action Director | LIT Videobooks
Rich Bitch (Clip)
Live-Action Co-Director | LIT Videobooks
Connect (Clip)
Live-Action Co-Director | LIT Videobooks
Truth & Lies (Clip)
Live-Action Co-Director | LIT Videobooks
Applause is where it all began. Director, producer, writer, acting coach, UPM, 1st AD, production designer, camera operator—there was nothing Danicah wouldn’t do to bring those short films to life. These early projects helped shape her voice as a filmmaker, and have since reached a global audience of over 1.5 million subscribers and 1 billion views.
Filter Face (180 million views)
Co-Director | Applause New York
Obsessed Much (78 million views)
Co-Director | Applause New York
The Princess Who Loved Ballet (20 million views)
Director | Applause New York
Too Cool for Pool (28 million views)
Co-Director | Applause New York
Back to Kindergarten (15 million views)
Director | Applause New York
Almost Married (18 million views)
Co-Director | Applause New York
Film Inquiry Interview
ThisFunktional Interview
LRM Online Interview
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"A gripping life-changing experience over the course of the short’s runtime."
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"Unexpected Journey Through a Child’s Eyes" (5/5 Stars)
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"Danicah Waldo Short Dazzles at the Big Apple Film Festival"
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"This superb film, written and directed by Danicah Waldo, invites us to consider the things we all hide from each other and ourselves. "
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Exclusive Sally, Get the Potatoes Trailer Previews Dances With Films Short for Kids
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"A moving performance by child actress"
Why Coach with Danicah?
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A director's eye.
Coaching with Danicah offers a director’s perspective in every session. She has extensive experience working with child actors and adults alike, helping each deliver honest, compelling performances true to the tone of the piece.
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A producer's vision.
Here’s a secret: producers are just as involved in casting decisions as the director. As a working producer, Danicah helps you shape your performance that stand out in a sea of self-tapes, so producers see you as the right choice.
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An actor's heart.
^ Baby Danicah in her first feature!
Danicah started as an actor, so she knows what it feels like to be in your shoes. She brings that understanding to coaching and directing, helping actors—especially young performers—find truth and confidence in their work, while always honoring the craft.
Schedule your free 15-minute intro session!
Interested in working Danicah on your project? Want to learn more about Sally, Get the Potatoes? Please fill out this form to get in touch!
